In-depth research by Dr Stuart Basten into Asian fertility helped convince the United Nations to revise its influential forecasts on future population trends, with particularly large effects for Pacific Asian economies.

A methodology for assessing the economic value of freshwater and marine environmental systems has led to a more cost-benefit based approach to implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive in the UK.

Policy recommendations from the Sussex Energy Group have shaped the UK government's position for climate change negotiations, as well as informing the Chilean and Indian governments on technology transfer policies.